Risky Business
Everyone is at risk from overexposure to the sun, which can cause premature aging and, even worse, skin cancer. But some people are more susceptible to the sun's damage than others. Take extra care if you or your family fall into any of the following categories:

• Children and babies have a lower tolerance to sun exposure.
• Certain medications and/or diseases increase your sunlight tolerance. Check with your doctor if you take medicines.
• Take extra precautions if you've ever had skin cancer or if there is a history of skin cancer in your family, especially melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
• If you have freckles and tend to burn before you tan, limit exposure
• People with fair skin or blond, red, or light brown hair usually burn easier.
• If you only get out in the sun a day or two a week and spend the rest of the time indoors, closely monitor your exposure and use sunscreen.
  
  

UVA vs. UBA Rays
If you read about sun protection, you'll hear the terms UVA and UBA rays being bantered about. But just what are these rays and what so they mean to you personally?

UVA Rays
Do not cause painful damage. They are sneaky -- their damage does not show up right away. Although their effects are very real and long lasting. UVA Rays release energy throughout the daylight hours and account for about 95% of all ultraviolet energy. UVA's do permanent damage to our DNA, as well as to the elastin and collagen fibers that make our skin firm and healthy, which explains why people who have spent too much time in the sun often have premature wrinkle and brown leathery skin. UVA Rays can pass through all glass including windows, windshields, and sunglasses.

UBA Rays
UVB rays are the ones responsible for the painful angry red sunburn you experience after being outdoors too long. While their damage doesn't go as deep into the skin's layers as UVA's, UVB's inflicts damage to the DNA at the cellular level and are a major factor in the development of skin cancer. Luckily, UVB's can't pass through glass although their effects can be intensified when reflected off light colors such as white sand or snow.

Sunburn Prevention Tips

• High altitudes increase the sun's strength, so be careful if you live or travel to high areas. UV radiation increases by 4-5% for every 1000 feet you go above sea level.
• Don't be fooled by cloudy skies. Clouds block less than 20% of all UV radiation.
• Water also fails to protect against sun damage. Wear a waterproof sports type sunscreen when swimming.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• For the most effective protection, use sunscreen properly: apply at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun, reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat.
• Protect your eyes, wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Loosely woven clothing does not protect. A good rule of thumb is, if you can see through the fabric, it doesn't protect against sun exposure.
• Avoid tanning beds! Many people have the false belief that tanning beds are safe. They aren't. While tanning beds give off little, if any UVB Rays, they do give off plenty of harmful UVB rays.

Sunburn Prevention For Babies
Babies' delicate skin is extra-susceptible to sunburn, so it is extremely important to take extra precautions to prevent over exposure. These tips will help you prevent your little one:

• As little as 10 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun can cause sunburn in an infant. Don't take chances, use sunscreen and keep close track of how much time your baby is actually spending in the sun.
• As much as possible, keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Use your stroller's canopy. Always carry an umbrella for shade to the beach or park. Look for trees, awnings and other shady spots.
• If you're going to spend a day at the beach or park, it's useful to carry along a small camping tent (available for under $30.00 at most discount department stores or Amazon? Not only will it provide a shady place for your baby to sleep, it's a useful as a changing room and to store gear.
• If you can get your baby to keep them on, sunglasses with UV protection are a good idea.
• Invest in a wide brimmed hat for your baby that shades his or her face.
• Use a specially made sunscreen for children with at least an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 on babies 6 months and older. If your baby is younger than 6 months old, consult your pediatrician for the best way to protect your baby with sunscreen.
• Sunburns can have dire consequences in babies. Don't take chances. If your child becomes severely sunburned, treat it as an emergency and see a doctor immediately.